A Comprehensive Survey on Deep Learning Techniques for Embryo Quality Assessment in IVF

Abstract

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) has emerged as a vital assisted reproductive technology, offering hope to couples experiencing infertility. A critical determinant of IVF success is the accurate assessment of embryo quality, traditionally performed through manual visual grading, which is subjective and prone to inter-observer variability. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, have shown remarkable potential in automating and enhancing embryo selection processes. This survey presents a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art deep learning methodologies applied to embryo image analysis, quality prediction, and implantation success forecasting. It explores various architectures including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and Transformer-based models tailored for medical imaging. Public and private embryo datasets, as well as evaluation metrics such as accuracy, FID, and AUC, are discussed. Furthermore, the paper highlights key challenges such as data imbalance, interpretability, and generalization across clinics. Future research directions emphasize the integration of multi-modal data, real-time prediction systems, and ethical considerations in AI-driven IVF systems. This survey aims to guide researchers and clinicians in understanding the evolving landscape of embryo analysis through deep learning.

Introduction

Infertility is a global concern, and In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a key solution. A critical step in IVF is selecting high-quality embryos. Traditionally, this process is manual and subjective, relying on embryologist evaluations. However, deep learning (DL), particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), has shown promise in automating and improving embryo assessment accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

Key Deep Learning Techniques in Embryo Analysis:

1. CNNs

   • Use: Embryo classification, morphological scoring.

   • Pros: High accuracy, automatic feature extraction.

   • Cons: Require large datasets, risk of overfitting.

   • Examples: ResNet, VGG, Inception.

2. GANs

   • Use: Synthetic embryo image generation for data augmentation.

   • Pros: Alleviates data scarcity, improves classifier training.

   • Cons: Complex training, potential instability.

   • Examples: StyleGAN, CSSGAN.

3. Transformer-Based Models (e.g., ViTs)

   • Use: Sequence modeling in time-lapse embryo development.

   • Pros: Captures global dependencies, better interpretability.

   • Cons: Data and compute-intensive.

4. Hybrid Models (CNN + RNN/GRU)

   • Use: Spatial-temporal embryo development tracking.

   • Pros: Combines spatial and temporal info.

   • Cons: Increased complexity and overfitting risk.

5. Ensemble Models

   • Use: Combine multiple models for improved robustness.

   • Pros: Improved accuracy and reduced bias.

   • Cons: Longer training times, harder to interpret.

Datasets and Evaluation Metrics:

• Data Challenges:

  • Limited public datasets due to privacy and ethical concerns.

  • Class imbalance and annotation inconsistency across clinics.

• Metrics:

  • Classification: Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1, AUC.

  • Image Quality (GANs): FID, KID, SSIM.

  • Regression (Scoring): MSE, R².

Comparative Model Analysis:

• CNNs are most commonly used and effective in spatial analysis.

• GANs help solve data limitation issues.

• Hybrid/Ensemble models outperform single models.

• Transformer models are emerging and promising for sequential analysis.

• Generalizability across clinics remains a major issue.

Challenges:

1. Limited Datasets: Lack of large, annotated, diverse data.

2. Model Interpretability: Most models are black-boxes, limiting clinical trust.

3. Generalization Across Clinics: Domain shifts reduce model effectiveness.

4. Temporal Complexity: Analyzing time-lapse data is computationally intensive.

5. Ethical and Regulatory Concerns: Need for accountability, fairness, and approvals.

6. Clinical Integration: Poor UI/UX design and lack of EMR integration slow adoption.

Future Directions:

1. Large Multi-Center Datasets: Standardized, diverse, and anonymized data.

2. Explainable AI: Use of saliency maps, attention mechanisms to boost clinical trust.

3. Multi-Modal Integration: Combining image data with clinical metadata for better predictions.

4. Advanced Architectures: Including transformers, self-supervised learning, and federated learning.

5. Ethical & Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring fair, transparent, and safe deployment.

6. Real-Time Clinical Tools: Clinician-friendly, interoperable, and responsive tools.

Conclusion

The application of deep learning in IVF embryo quality assessment represents a transformative shift in assisted reproductive technologies. Traditional manual grading methods are subjective and often inconsistent, whereas AI-powered approaches offer the potential for standardized, accurate, and automated embryo evaluation. This survey has provided a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art deep learning techniques—including CNNs, GANs, Transformer-based models, and hybrid architectures—used for embryo classification, implantation prediction, and synthetic data generation. We reviewed the commonly used datasets, key evaluation metrics such as accuracy, AUC, and FID, and compared major models based on their performance and methodology. Despite notable advancements, significant challenges remain, including limited data availability, model interpretability, generalization across clinical settings, and integration into real-world workflows. In the future, AI in IVF should focus on creating models that are easy to understand, clinically tested, and used responsibly. Sharing data, combining different types of information, and following rules and guidelines will be important to move AI from research to real fertility clinics. With teamwork across different fields, AI can help improve IVF success rates and support doctors in making better decisions. This survey gives a useful starting point for researchers, doctors, and AI experts who want to help advance smart embryo evaluation.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Divya S, Geetharani S. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.